Forequarter Amputation and Immediate Reconstruction with a Free Extended Humeral-Radial Forearm Flap

Abstract

A forequarter amputation is a radical ablative surgical procedure that includes the entire upper extremity with its shoulder girdle. We present a 53-year-old woman with a solid slow growing tumor in her right shoulder of 15 x 20 cm in diameter. Resection and immediate reconstruction with a free radial forearm flap extended from the distal third of the arm to the midpalmar region, taking the humeral artery and the cephalic vein as a main peddicle. The final outcome is shown at six weeks after the surgery.